The Teak Museum in Nilambur is dedicated to the history and significance of teak wood. Established in 1995, it is the first of its kind in the world. The museum aims to disseminate information on various aspects of teak, including history, cultivation, management, utilisation, socio-economics, etc.
Teak, scientifically called Tectona grandis L.f. (Family: Lamiaceae), is considered a grand jewel in the diadem of tree species that occur naturally in tropical forests worldwide. It also became an essential plantation species, and many of the milestone developments in the history of teak plantations took place in Kerala.The Teak Museum is located within the campus of Kerala Forest Research Institute Sub Centre at Nilambur. Nilambur, located in the Malappuram district of Kerala, is historically significant in teak cultivation. In the 1840s, the first teak plantation in India was established there, ensuring a consistent supply of teak timber as natural forest resources dwindled. Additionally, the museum is situated near the oldest teak stands, including the renowned 'Conolly's Plot'. Recognising the historical importance of Nilambur leading to a momentous shift from a purely extraction and regulatory function of forestry to a phase of resource development, Kerala Forest Department (KFD) and Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) have decided to establish a thematic Museum, devoted entirely to the unique species - Teak, which produces the world's most ideal timber that can be put to almost any conceivable use from handicrafts to building ships.
The Museum provides information on the historical, aesthetic, scientific, and cultural values of the species through exhibits and associated texts. The extensive root system of a 55-year-old teak exhibited at the entrance is a symbolic sign welcoming visitors to witness the past, present, and future at the museum.
Exhibits of historic and artistic value are displayed on the ground floor. The first floor is mainly devoted to exhibits and information of a scientific nature. A translite of `Kannimara teak', the oldest naturally growing teak tree located at the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, and a life-size replica of the trunk of the most giant known teak tree growing in the Malayattoor forest division are exhibited on the ground floor. A translite of a giant tree present in the oldest teak plantation in the Conolly's Plot at Nilambur helps visitors to visualise the teak plantation activities initiated 160 years ago.
The traditional granary and a miniature model of the sailing vessel - Uru - made up of teak wood are the other attractions. Teak poles of different sizes and qualities obtained during the `thinning' of teak plantations are exhibited along with details of the standard classification of teak poles. The foliage, flowers, fruits and bark of the tree are depicted in one bay. Juxtaposed is a large stump of a 480-year-old teak tree brought from Nagarampara Forest Range in Kottayam Forest Division.
The first floor of the Museum is devoted to the display of scientific information and related exhibits on various aspects of teak. It starts with detailed information on flowers, seeds and natural regeneration. The characteristics of plus trees (morphologically superior trees as compared to nearby trees) are also described. Seed grading and pre-sowing treatment for better germination of the seed are also depicted. Two methods adopted for vegetative propagation in teak, viz., tissue culture and clonal propagation, are presented with the help of translites.
The adjoining bay shows stages in the complete rotation cycle of teak from seed to mature tree. Also present are a collection of over 300 butterflies, moths, and insects found in teak plantations. It has another section exclusively on various problems encountered, such as insect pests, plantation and nursery diseases, and physical disorders of teak.
The museum also features a series of paintings on tree felling operations, a collection of photographs depicting the phenological events of teak at different seasons, and exhibits on traditional harvesting tools. Wood samples of various ages from other parts of the world are also unique attractions.
Portraits of great men behind the successful establishment of teak plantations, as well as those who have sown the seeds of plantation forestry in India, like H. V. Conolly, Chathu Menon, and T.F. Bourdillion, take visitors to a magnificent era 150 years ago.
The museum also has a world-class library on teak and a mini auditorium for audiovisual presentations. A Teak Information System (Touch Screen facility) in the Museum also helps visitors get information on various aspects of the teak tree, such as its habit and distribution, history, morphology, cultivation, harvesting, timber, utilisation, etc.
The Curator, Teak Museum,
KFRI Subcentre, Chandakkunnu
Pin: 679 342, Nilambur, Kerala. , India.
Tel: +91-4931-222846, 220218
e-mail: teakmuseum@gmail.com